HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

Vital Immigrant Defense Advocacy and Services provides low-cost and no-cost immigration law services, advocacy, and community education, as a non-profit law firm serving the North Bay with offices in Santa Rosa and Vallejo. Its services include conducting deportation defense and asylum cases and obtaining visas and legal residence for victims of trafficking and violence against women, and many other immigration law concerns.

Speaker: Maria Elena Valle, Outreach and Education Coordinator for VIDAS 

Please join us in the Board Room after the 11 am service.  Please note that we are on DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME TODAY!                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

Executive Director Rick Coates of Forest Unlimited will discuss the work of this long-standing Sonoma County environmental action organization whose mission is to protect, enhance, and restore the forests and watersheds of Sonoma County. Forest Unlimited educates the public about logging plan review, forestry law, and regulation, most recently by a series of talks at the Sonoma County libraries.

It addresses illegal and unsound logging, works toward improving logging rules, and provides information regarding current forestry law. Their Mentor Program staff provides information, legal support, and sponsorship to emerging grassroots neighborhood groups fighting destructive timber harvests and resulting environmental degradation in their neighborhoods.

Forest Unlimited sponsors forest restoration projects, gathering volunteer crews to plant 1600 redwood seedlings yearly, totaling over 32,000 trees planted in 23 years of continued restoration efforts.  It hosts a yearly dinner, to which all are invited, under the redwoods each June featuring noted speakers on timely topics such as fire ecology and reforestation and honoring the work and victories of dedicated activists and local grassroots groups.

HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

As if affordable housing in Sonoma County was not scarce enough, the 2017 fires made it even worse. But Habitat for Humanity has launched amazing projects to respond to this catastrophe. Come hear from David Irvine, Habitat’s faith liaison, and from a burned-out resident who, with Habitat’s help, is rebuilding a home and a life. We will also learn how we can help.

Speaker:  David Irvine, Habitat’s Faith Liaison

HOT TOPICS 
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

Please join us in the board room after the 11 AM service.

HOT TOPICS
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

Note Time Change:  After the 11 AM service as we are back to our two service schedule.

ROSELAND THROUGH COLLEGE MENTOR PROGRAM
Presenter: Sarah Tendall, Program Coordinator.

Sarah Tendall, Program Coordinator of the Through College Mentor Program, will tell us about this wonderful new program for students at Roseland University Prep and Roseland Collegiate Prep.  Volunteers will help students, all first-generation college bound, prepare for college life. As important as academic support, exposure to new experiences, cultures, and places outside the Roseland community will help these young people succeed in college.  The time requirements are flexible and minimal, and the program provides support and training the whole time.  At a time when many immigrant families may feel unwanted and in danger, this is a wonderful way to demonstrate our welcome and support!

Come to the Board Room after the 11 am service to learn more about this exciting opportunity.  Light snacks will be available.

HOT TOPICS
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice

POSITIVE IMAGES 

OUR MISSION

Positive Images provides support and advocacy to Sonoma County’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and intersex youth and young adults, ages 12-24, and educates the greater community. We envision a Sonoma County where all youth are valued, compassionate community members, creating a just society.

Many at UUCSR are familiar with Positive Images, but it has been awhile since we have had an update about what is happening there recently. Our Speaker will be Jessica Carroll who is the new Director of Programs. She will tell us about the services and programs that Positive Images currently provides as well as bringing along some special guests who will be sharing their stories and will be available to answer your questions about themselves and the role that Positive Images has in their lives.

Please join us in the Board Room after the 11 am service.

HOT TOPICS
Presented by
Advocates for Social Justice
LIME FOUNDATION

Letitia Hanke is the CEO of the Lime Foundation and also a female roofing business contractor in Sonoma County. Letitia launched the Lime Foundation with the objective of functioning as passionate and energetic advocates for the disadvantaged in the community. The program has a three-fold mission: (1) support a vocational training/construction apprenticeship program to prepare people in disadvantaged communities for fulfilling careers while at the same time providing important services for people who couldn’t afford home repairs, (2) supporting musical education and the arts to help a school child explore music in an educational setting either in or after school. This is a great alternative to substance abuse and other pitfalls that can come before youth. Mentoring/tutoring is provided; (3) provides programs for the elderly in an effort to address America’s obesity epidemic through light exercise and healthy eating. Letitia spoke to us in February of last year about the launch of this program. The program is up and running and she has just received a community award based on the success of the program. Come and hear the details of what has been accomplished here in Sonoma County through the Lime Foundation.